Miss Universe Investigation Launched in Thailand Over Gambling Promo of Philippine Contestant

A promotional post involving a Miss Universe contestant has triggered a police investigation in Thailand, after the Filipina participant appeared to endorse PlayTime, a Philippine-licensed online gambling site. Online gambling is illegal in Thailand, leading authorities to question the organizers responsible for the activity.

Good to Know

• Thailand bans online gambling of any kind.
• The promotional shoot took place in Bangkok during Miss Universe preparations.
• Police seized promotional items and questioned staff linked to the pageant.

The issue surfaced after the contestant posted an image on social media. She held a pillow featuring the PlayTime logo while checking a phone. The caption read: “I’m checking if you’re already following me on PlayTime.” It also claimed that followers could receive credits worth PHP300,000.

PlayTime promotes itself as a legal Philippine gaming platform and shared a post calling itself “an official journey partner” of the pageant, promising exclusive behind-the-scenes content. But promotion inside Thailand places the brand in direct conflict with Thai law.

Thailand bars nearly all gambling except national lotteries and horse racing. Officials have been especially firm on enforcement recently, and the Miss Universe 2024 crowning is scheduled in Nonthaburi this month, putting the event under heightened visibility.

Police Intervention in Bangkok

The photo shoot took place at a Bangkok hotel. Local reports say the session was overseen by Raúl Rocha Cantú, a shareholder in the Miss Universe Organization. Witnesses and hotel staff contacted police, who arrived, seized promotional items and equipment, and escorted several members of the pageant team to Wat Phraya Krai Police Station for questioning.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, vice president of Miss Universe Thailand, distanced the local hosts from the situation. He said:

“It was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization,” adding that Thai organizers had not given approval.

The incident added strain among contestants. Mexican participant Fatima Bosch later refused to join planned activities and accused Nawat of disrespect. She left the venue along with the 2024 winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. Cuban vlogger Luis Portelles described the moment as chaotic, saying security blocked other contestants trying to follow.

Theilvig later shared a group photo with the caption: “This is women empowerment. This is sisterhood. Forever and always.”

Just last week, during talks in Beijing, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aligned with President Xi Jinping in opposing casino expansion. Anutin pledged to avoid advancing any casino legislation while in office.

FAQ

Why is Thailand reacting strongly to the promotion?

Online gambling is illegal in Thailand, and visible promotional activity can trigger automatic legal review.

Was the Miss Universe Thailand team involved?

Local organizers say they were not informed and did not authorize the promotion.

What is PlayTime?

A Philippine-licensed gambling site that markets itself to Filipino users but is not legal in Thailand.

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